February 25, 2022
ECAA Supporting Agritourism
This week ECAA offered $500 in support of the Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce’s application for a matching grant that would pay for the services of a consultant, Jon Schallert, to provide training to local business owners in Elbert County. The Town of Elizabeth and private sponsors are also helping to fund the matching grant. Some of ECAA’s members were able to attend Mr. Schallert’s workshop in Hugo last year where he taught business owners how to make their businesses destinations, drawing customers from hundreds of miles away. Supporting the Chamber’s effort to bring Mr. Schallert to Elbert County fulfills ECAA’s mission to provide educational opportunities for our community and in particular our agritourism members. We will know in a couple of months if the grant has been awarded so stay tuned. Mr. Schallert’s presentation will be available to all area businesses.
Making Great Compost
Up your composting game. ECAA is partnering with the Elbert Woman’s Group present Jonathan Whetstine of Richer Lands Compost who will teach you how to make great compost in preparation for the 2022 garden season. There is no charge to attend the live event on March 12th at 2:00 p.m. in the Mercantile Building in Elbert. We only ask you pre-register so we can be better prepared. To sign up go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/258260533207.
Bring Potential Customers to Your Door
We have several opportunities available for showcasing your farm and reaching out to potential customers. You can join the Ask a Farmer panel online June 19th to meet with urbanites who are interested in homesteading and sourcing products locally. You can sign up for more information on how to be a for a tour list available through the Colorado Agritourism Association. You can sign up to share your farm or ranch’s sustainable and regenerative practices with a group developing a program on how to educate urban consumers on the benefits of buying from small farms. If you are interested in any of these opportunities send an email to: sheila.zuschek@elbertcountyagalliance.org.
Lockdown is for the Birds
A highly pathogenic avian flu that appeared in the eastern flyways several weeks ago is beginning to move West. Poultry owners are advised to exclude flocks from areas frequented by wild birds, move outdoor feeders inside, and practice basic biosecurity measures like changing boots before entering coops and runs. You can learn more about biosecurity methods at the USDA’s Defend the Flock website. There is also a free Defend the Flock webinar, Healthy Flocks and Healthy Families, next Thursday, March 3. You can register online at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mDQlu5S-SBK1nkEVsMODVQ?fbclid=IwAR29mMk4kRHfKfj4smeWvRK3loO89OHCUspOaHPnwIZB0C4knm-JbkXgriY.
Rumors: Lean over the Fence, but Not Too Far
Did you hear something about an agricultural trivia night? Something about food? Something about a member mixer and meeting in April? The rumor mill has got it right. Mark your calendar for April 9th for the potluck, trivia, and meeting! And start studying up on the spitting habits of alpacas… just in case it comes up in trivia.
Spinning Classes
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to spin wool check out Kathy Dagliesh’s class at Raisin Bred Alpacas by clicking here. The introductory class will cost $45 plus supplies and will take place on March 5th. Check it out and learn how to get great legs and stay warm like Kathy.
Don’t Forget!
If you signed up for the Chickens 101 and 102 classes they will begin on Zoom this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Check your email for the Zoom link.
Have announcements or classifieds that should be included in the next Roundup? Send them to news@elbertcountyagalliance.org.